Section DHS 98.19 - Mechanical restraints(1) Mechanical restraints are limited to handcuffs, handcuffs with restraining belt or chain, restraining chain, leg restraints, and leather and plastic restraints. These may be used to restrain and transport a client, but only in accordance with this section.(2) Mechanical restraints may only be used in the following circumstances: (a) To protect staff or others from a client who poses an immediate risk of flight or physical injury to others, unless restrained;(b) To protect a client who poses an immediate threat of physical injury to himself or herself, unless restrained;(c) When taking a client into custody; or(d) To transport a client.(3) Mechanical restraints shall never be used:(a) As a method of punishment;(b) About the head or neck of the client;(c) In a way that causes undue physical discomfort, inflicts physical pain, or restricts the blood circulation or breathing of the client; or(d) To restrain a client to a moving vehicle.(4) When a client is placed in restraints, a staff member shall transport the client to a detention facility, a mental health or medical facility, or to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.(5) A staff member shall observe a client in restraints at least once every 15 minutes until the restraints are removed, or the client is admitted to a detention facility, mental health facility, or medical facility.(6) If feasible, a client should be released from restraints to perform bodily functions and for meals.(7) Except when restraints are used to take a client into custody or transport a client, a report shall be maintained in the client's record of each time the client is placed in restraints. It shall include:(a) The client's full name, number, and the date the client was placed in restraints;(b) The name of the staff member who placed the client in restraints;(c) The reason for placing the client in restraints; and(d) A statement indicating when, and under what circumstances, the restraints were removed.(8) Field staff shall have access to mechanical restraining devices which shall be periodically examined. Any excessively worn or defective restraining devices shall be removed from the supply. Only commercially manufactured restraining devices may be used.Wis. Admin. Code Department of Health Services DHS 98.19
Cr. Register, July, 1992, No. 439, eff. 8-1-92.